Tweak of the Week: Face up to a relaxing, revitalising treatment that works wonders

Alice’s skin looks smooth and clear after the perfect peel at Therapie Clinic in Glasgow

As we get older, lots of life’s mysteries suddenly start to reveal themselves – and one little-discussed secret I was disappointed to learn is that, contrary to what mum promised, spot-prone skin doesn’t simply improve with age.

Despite recently hitting the big 3-0, I still struggle with hormone-related breakouts, uneven skintone and painful cystic acne, so I’m always searching for new treatments to tame my uncooperative complexion.

Just prior to lockdown, I visited Therapie Clinic in Glasgow to try out a Skin Theory Enzyme Peel, which promises refreshed, radiant and smoother skin.

Here are the results.

What is a skin peel?

Therapie Clinic offers different types of peels, depending on your skintype. After a discussion with my consultant, Charlene, we decided on the Skin Theory Enzyme Level 1 peel.

The resurfacing treatment uses glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid to help revitalise and brighten the skin, and a pumpkin pulp to lightly exfoliate. The AHA and BHA acids stimulate cell turnover and clean out pores, leaving skin refreshed and radiant.

What does the treatment involve?

First, Charlene pre-cleansed my skin to remove any make-up then used a glycolic cleanser and prep solution to ready my skin for the peel.

The enzyme peel was then applied to my skin, left to work for around 15 minutes, before being removed and replaced with a vitamin mask.

The treatment was finished with an anti-oxidant cream, which had a light tint, perfect for covering any leftover redness!

Acid? Sounds painful

Although quite warm and tingly, I didn’t find the peel very sore – it was actually quite a pleasant sensation!

But Charlene warned different clients have different pain levels, so the peel can be left on for more or less time depending on comfort.

Did it work?

The treatment was super relaxing (dim candle light and tranquil background music flooded the room – blissful) and my skin felt instantly tighter, smoother and brighter. What’s more, my pores all but disappeared, and old acne scars were visibly reduced.